Can You Collect LTD and CPP Disability at the Same Time?

Technically, you may collect both long-term disability (LTD) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments at the same time. However, many LTD plans stipulate that you may not use the benefits of both to create a larger sum.

For example, if you receive LTD for $3,000 a month and CPP grants you an allowance of $1,000 a month, you may still only get $3,000 a month. Your payout may become $2,000 from LTD and $1,000 from CPP.

Some LTD plans may require you to file for CPP in order to initiate benefits. Specific instructions are typically found in the details of the individual LTD policy.

What Are the Differences Between LTD and CPP Disability Benefits?

CPP is operated by the Canadian government, while private insurance companies offer long-term disability insurance plans, generally through employers. Both CPP and LTD plans give you a support system to fall back on after you have suffered injuries. These payments are incredibly useful for workers who find themselves unable to work, whether from illness, injuries, or other medical conditions.

The CPP Process

Workers who contribute to the government-administered CPP through payroll deductions may qualify for CPP benefits when they are injured and may not be able to work. In order to qualify, you must:

• Be 65 or younger
• Have made CPP contributions by working at least four out of the last six years, or three out of the last six years if you have contributed to CPP for 25 years or more
• Have a “severe and prolonged disability,” according to the CPP

To apply for these services, you may need to fill out the proper paperwork and send it to the applicable government entity.

The LTD Process

LTD benefits may be available for individuals enrolled in private LTD insurance. It is important to read the details of your plan and instructions in their application process, as some LTD plans may stipulate that you also need to apply to CPP.

This stipulation does not mean that LTD benefits are contingent on a CPP approval or that you cannot collect LTD and CPP disability at the same time—some cases or conditions that do not qualify for CPP may still qualify for LTD. Each LTD has different standards for what types of conditions they provide benefits to and which ones they do not. You may need to reference the details of your plan for this information.

Whether you are juggling a CPP application, an LTD application, or both, a disability lawyer may be able to help you interpret the terms of your policy and take action to secure benefits, which may include collecting LTD and CPP disability at the same time.

Representation in a Disability Case

If the CPP or your employer’s insurance company denies your application for LTD benefits, you may be able to appeal internally or externally with the assistance of a disability lawyer.

If you have any trouble receiving the full benefits you think you deserve, a disability lawyer representing you may be able to:

• Interpret the fine print of your policy
• Prepare your medical documentation
• Gather new evidence
• Challenge a CPP denial through the official channels
• Conduct an internal appeal or file a lawsuit against the LTD insurance company that unfairly denied you benefits
• Handle legal paperwork, court deadlines, and more
• Communicate with the insurance companies and the court on your behalf

When it comes to decisions in the benefits or appeals process, a disability lawyer may be able to advise you based on the evidence in your case. They may be able to direct resources into your defense, such as hiring medical or vocational experts to testify about the nature and extent of your condition.

Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers Today

Preszler Injury Lawyers understands how trying the process to secure disability benefits may be. We do everything in our power to help our clients get financial compensation in disability cases, which may include receiving LTD and CPP disability at the same time.

You do not have to fight for disability coverage alone. Call Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE. An initial consultation with a member of our team is free, and we may be able to answer questions and give you options for moving forward today.

Our firm operates on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning there is no up-front cost to our clients. We only take payment if our clients receive a settlement or ruling in court.